Iceland Explorer

Glaciers, geysers and geothermal hot springs

A living example of nature’s true power, Iceland boasts stunning landscapes and natural wonders in a land of extreme geological contrasts. Plunging waterfalls, massive glaciers, black sand beaches, and hot springs make this land of fire and ice an unforgettable experience.

Trip code: 10ICEEXPL

Itinerary for Iceland

DAY 1: Reykjavik

Halló og velkomin til Íslands! Reykjavik is the world’s Northernmost capital city, and the start of our Icelandic adventure. Tonight, meet your Local Leader and fellow explorers at a welcome meeting, where we are introduced to the tales and legends that make the Icelandic culture so unique.

Transfers are shared among travelers in our group. At the airport, you’ll be met by a Club Adventures representative after passing through customs and shuttled to your hotel. You may need to wait a short time for other members of the group to arrive.

Our hotel in Reykjavik: Storm Hotel

Day 2: Golden Circle

At the Golden Circle, explore Iceland’s world-famous wonders including Geysir, Gullfoss and the Blue Lagoon — which coexist in a magnificent mosaic of natural phenomena. The unspoiled sights and sounds surrounding you will move you in a visceral way, unlike any other place on the planet. First we’ll stop at Thingvellir National Park, where Icelanders founded the oldest active parliament in the world back in A.D. 930 — and where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Next is the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur geyser spouts hot water high into the air. The final stop on the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss Golden Waterfall — we may even see a rainbow in the mist above the falls. (b)

Breakfast is a full buffet

Our hotel in Reykjavik: Storm Hotel

Day 3: Reykjavik > Borgarfjordur

Today, we’ll visit two waterfalls that are close in distance but visually worlds apart. The stunning Hraunfossar — or Lava Falls — emerge from the shrubbery and rock to fall into the Hvítá River; Barnafoss, the “children’s waterfall,” cascades into a shallow gorge. After the falls, we’ll hike to the top of an ancient volcanic crater that last erupted 3,500 years ago. (b)

Breakfast is a full buffet

Our hotel in Borgarfjordur: Vogur Country Lodge

Day 4: Borgarfjordur > Sudureyri

We’ll venture through the imposing mountains and fjords of the Westfjords, where we’ll visit the waterfall of Dynjandi — which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Iceland. We’ll pass through fishing villages and learn about how Iceland got its name, before arriving at our hotel for the evening. (b)

Breakfast is a full buffet

Our hotel in Sudureyri: Fisherman Hotel

Day 5: Dynjandi > Gauksmyri

Today we’ll learn some of the fascinating history of witchcraft in Iceland — with a visit to the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. We’ll then head over to Hvammstangi and visit the Icelandic Seal Center — maybe we’ll be lucky and see some seals in the wild! (b, d)

Breakfast is a full buffet

Our hotel in Gauksmyri: Gauksmyri Lodge

Day 6: Gauksmyri > Akureyri

Venturing to Akureyri — the “Capital of the North,” — you can choose how you wish to explore the city: with either a visit to the local botanical garden or exploring an Icelandic art museum. The remainder of the day is yours to soak up the vibrant city scene. (b)

Breakfast is a full buffet

Our hotel in Akureyri: Hotel Kea

Day 7: Akureyri > Dettifoss

This morning we’ll visit the Godafoss waterfall, named after the legend of the heathen (chieftain Godafoss). Local lore recounts the story that he threw all his idols of the Norse gods into the waterfall when Iceland adopted Christianity, in the year 1000. In the Mývatn area we take a dip in the healing waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths, often called “The Blue Lagoon of the North.” Our last stop of the day is Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. (b)

Breakfast is a full buffet

Our hotel in Myvatn: Hotel Fjalladyrd

Day 8: Dettifoss > Seydisfjordur > Egilsstadir

Our journey continues to the town of Seydisfjordur — where the ferry transports people from Iceland to the mainland of Europe — and where several famous movies have been filmed. Our accommodation for the night is the old farmstead of Egilsstadir, which is situated right by the lake’s edge. (b)

Breakfast is a full buffet

Our hotel in Egilsstadir: Lake Hotel Egilsstadir

Day 9: Egilsstadir > Reykjavik

Today we’ll fly back to the city of Reykjavik to enjoy a free day, before coming together for a farewell dinner. (b, d)

Breakfast is a full buffet

Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant walking distance from our hotel

Our hotel in Reykjavik: Storm Hotel

Day 10: Reykjavik

Our exploration of Icelandic wonders ends today. (b)

Breakfast is a full buffet

Your departure transfer is included

Things to know before traveling to Iceland

The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK).

ATMs are available in most towns, so the easiest way to access cash on your trip is to bring a credit/debit card. Please check with your bank about overseas withdrawal fees before you depart. Some banks will allow a cash advance against a major credit card which will incur a service charge of 5% or more. Currency exchange is available at major banks and some hotels.

Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to outdoor activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to save money. In remote areas the only option for dinner will be at the guesthouse we are staying at. Please stock up on food at a supermarket prior to arrival if you would like to opt out eating at the guesthouse’s restaurant.

The Icelandic climate is very unpredictable the whole year round thus we recommend to all our guests to bring good sturdy shoes for trekking, a warm wind and rainproof jacket and trousers, gloves or mittens, good head wear and sunglasses.

The closer you travel to the second half of June, the shorter the nights are in this part of the world. As many of our accommodations may not have suitable curtains to block out light you may want to consider bringing an eye-mask, especially if you are a light sleeper.

Vegetarians might find the menu selection less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

The destinations visited on this trip can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season and at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather. In this case an alternative will be offered.

Due to the remote locations we visit, there are a few long drives on this trip. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group.

VOLCANOES
Katla Volcano has been showing growing activity in recent months. An eruption would most likely be accompanied by a flash flood which would affect the floodplains to the west or east of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Authorities warn that travellers could have as little as 15 minutes to get to safety (higher ground) in the case of an eruption. Text messages will be sent to all mobile devices in the affected area, advising residents and travellers to evacuate or move to safety. Therefore please make sure that your mobile phone is turned on and international roaming is enabled while in the area.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarize yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ask your travel agent or Club Adventures team member for insurance options at time of booking.

Add-ons available before and after your trip to see the most of Iceland